Dr. Kimberly West
The gig economy is big these days. Taking your gig on the road can be a way to work and travel at the same time. But what, exactly, does this mean?
In short, the gig economy is a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. The rise of the gig economy has been fueled by the advent of technology and the growing trend of companies outsourcing work to contractors or freelancers instead of hiring full-time employees.
Working in the gig economy has many benefits. It gives you the freedom to choose when and where you work, as well as how much you work. This can be a great way to earn extra income or even make a living, depending on your skillset. And if you get sick of one place, you can simply pack up and move to another.
However, there are also some challenges that come with working in the gig economy. For one, you may have to deal with income insecurity, as there is no guarantee of consistent work. Additionally, you may have to contend with weak labor rights and protections, as well as a lack of employee benefits such as healthcare and retirement savings plans.
So, should you take your gig on the road? If you’re feeling adventurous and have a solid understanding of the challenges involved, then why not! Below are three tips that will help you make the most out of working in the gig economy from various countries:
1) Do your research: Make sure that you understand the local laws and regulations around freelance work before packing your bags and moving to another country. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations that need to be followed, so it’s important that you’re familiar with them before setting up shop. Not doing your research could land you in hot water with authorities, or worse.
2) Stay organized & manage your finances: Because gigs can often be irregular or last-minute, it’s important to stay organized and keep on top of your finances. This means carefully tracking your expenses and setting aside money for taxes. Doing so will help ensure that you’re able to make ends meet while working in the gig economy from abroad.